Because a seal of dried sap will form over the cut stump and prevent the Christmas Tree from absorbing water, retaining its needles, maintaining its fragrance, cause the boughs to droop, and become unsightly, you will want to comply with the following:

Put a fresh, straight cut on the bottom of the base of the trunk, on your Christmas Tree, about 1/2" up from the original cut.

Place the Christmas Tree in a Christmas Tree stand or bucket which holds at least one gallon of water. Make sure the water covers the base of the tree!

Add water as needed! Christmas Trees can absorb as much as a gallon of water or more in the first 24 hours and one or more quarts per day thereafter.

Keep your Christmas Tree away from heat and draft sources such as fireplaces, radiators, electric heaters, and similar heat sources.

Test your light cords and connections before hanging them on your tree to make sure they're in good working order. Lights and cords that have cracked insulation or broken and empty sockets can be unsafe even though your tree has absorbed water and the needles are not dry.